Paul never does say exactly what the thorn in his flesh is, but we know that he takes pleasure in it. Despite the fact that he most certainly wished that he was not afflicted thus. I too have been given a thorn of the flesh. Mine is depression. Some days it is very hard for me to take pleasure in anything.
I was diagnosed with my "thorn" only a couple years ago, but have suffered from it for my entire life. I do not take medication for it anymore, but I do not expect that others could- or should- choose to do the same thing. This was just my personal choice. Do not misunderstand me. There are days when I think I most certainly should still be medicated. The last few days have come close to qualifying. However, I remain faithful that the Lord has a purpose for my pain, and that is so that He is glorified.
I do not write this for your sympathy, only to explain my inability to write a post worth much the last couple days. I am emotionally spent, and it takes all the energy I have just to read my bible and keep myself sane, knowing that my infirmities, and in this case the catalyst for my infirmity (my testimony) bring Him all glory.
So, remember that no matter the thorn in your flesh, if God has chosen not to remove from you that infirmity, there is some way that it glorifies the Lord, and you should take pleasure in it. Read His Holy Word; stay strong, knowing that He loves you, and that His grace is sufficient for you.
--Lord, I pray today that though you have not taken my thorn from my flesh, that I remember everyday to take pleasure in it, because through it, I will glorify Your name. I can think of no greater honor than this. Continue to use me Lord, and continue to use my words to reach out to others that have their own thorns. I ask and pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
Praise You In This Storm- Casting Crowns
Shalene,
ReplyDeleteIt touched my heart to read your story.....(from loosing your mom to your wrestling w/ Depression. Some of the most influencial people in the world had ongoing battles w/ depression...Spurgeon, Winston Churchill, even CS Lewis spent a season in the slough of despondency ( Chronicles of Narnia)....I've had my turn as well...though it was only for a couple of years instead of ongoing. I know you mentioned your choice to pass on the medication for now...but don't completely rule it out.... There are Christians in my family who have the same besetting issue and the choice to take just a minimal dose has made a night and day difference in their life...God Bless DM (from the heart to heart blog)
Hi DM, thanks for you comments. I choose not to take medication, not because it doesn't help me, but because I found it also tempers my positive emotions, and I didn't like that. Because I have been able to manage my symptoms fairly well most of the time, I just prefer it this way. My hubby and I have discussed and we agreed that if he felt at any time like I was not able to control it well enough on my own that he'd let me know, and I would do the same, and at that point I would start taking them again. Since that has happened, I'm relying on God and the positive encouragement of my online friends. Thank you again for yours.
ReplyDeleteok second attempt to leave a msg:
ReplyDeleteThe Lord gave me the following paragraph in response to a question of a lady who is the sister of friend that I have been caring for that is dying of cancer. The answer given was helpful to me as well and I hope that it helpful to you.
"There is a time for everything under the sun, a time to live, a time to sow and thoough we have people in our lives and we are in theirs we still walk alone with God whether we know it or not. You can do nothing about the seasons of another's life, except accept it and do what you can to help if its given and love them, that's it. Be content that you are mournful for their lot which is how you feel when you love someone and to put it bluntly, you have no choice but to live the season of your life where you find it, don't feel guilty for living, laughing, smiling, etc...."
also I'd like to add from my own personal struggles and thorns in my side:
Keep fighting bitterness when it tries to invade your soul, eventually it will go away. (bitterness comes in all kinds of disguises and sometimes is not so recognizable as say anger or pride, but it shows up unexpectedly and would love to ground your joy into the dirt.)
Poster for The Holy Ghost speaks plainly.